Age Concern Hampshire Extends Partnership with SNG to Combat Social Isolation Among Older People

Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the continuation of its valued partnership with SNG (Sovereign Network Group) to deliver social groups aimed at reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing among older people across Basingstoke, Overton, Whitchurch, Fordingbridge, and Totton.

Christmas can be especially isolating for older people. 

With support from SNG, Age Concern Hampshire will run a variety of social groups that bring people together in safe, welcoming, and engaging environments. The groups focus on physical and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for older people to socialise, connect, and build lasting friendships.

The social groups are open to all older people in the local community, as well as residents of the housing schemes. This ensures that everyone has the chance to take part, enjoy the activities, and build connections across the wider community.

Social isolation remains one of the biggest challenges facing older people today. Many experience loneliness due to reduced mobility, limited transport options, or the loss of loved ones. By participating in these social groups, older people can stay active, try new activities such as gentle exercise and creative workshops, and enjoy companionship in a supportive and friendly environment.

“We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with SNG,” Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire told That's Christmas 365.

“These social groups make such a difference and help those attending to stay active, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community. Tackling loneliness and isolation remains at the heart of what we do, and partnerships like this allow us to reach those who might otherwise be left behind. 

"We’d love to expand this model to more supported housing schemes for older people across Hampshire, where around 12% of residents aged 65 and over live in similar settings. By working together, we can ensure even more people benefit from connection, companionship, and a sense of belonging.”

Stevie Chadwick, Community Investment & Partnership Manager at SNG, said: “At SNG, we’re committed to supporting our communities to live well and thrive. 

"We’re proud to continue our partnership with Age Concern Hampshire, whose groups are making a real difference to the lives of our customers. The positive feedback we’ve received from customers has been incredibly heartening; these sessions support them to feel healthier and more connected. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that meaningful connection and community support can have on wellbeing.”

This partnership is part of Age Concern Hampshire’s ongoing commitment to support older people through social groups, volunteer-led programmes, and community initiatives that promote wellbeing and connection across the county.

https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

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Age Concern Hampshire Launches Christmas Campaign: “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year”

Age Concern Hampshire is thrilled to announce the launch of their festive campaign, “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year”. This campaign highlights the vital role the charity’s services have played in not only helping older people feel supported, valued, and connected, but also in bringing much-needed cheer and positivity into their lives, as well as the lives of their families and carers.

The key focus of this year’s campaign is to rally support from the public and corporate partners to ensure that the charity can continue its mission into 2025 and beyond. 

Donations raised through the campaign will enable Age Concern Hampshire to carry on offering these vital services, bringing much-needed cheer to even more older people in the year ahead.

Through images and highlights from the past year, the campaign will showcase how essential Age Concern Hampshire services are in delivering vital support and spreading cheer to older people at a time of the year when older people can feel particularly isolated.

Age Concern Hampshire’s services, include dementia support at their Care & Wellbeing Centres, support leaving hospital with the Hospital to Home Service, various social groups, and other community initiatives.

Said Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire: “Our services are crucial in ensuring older people feel supported and valued throughout the year. With the help of public and corporate donations, we can continue to bring joy and comfort into their lives, not only this Christmas but into 2025 as well.”

Age Concern Hampshire is calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations to support the “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year” campaign by donating through their JustGiving page. The charity is also open to taking on local sponsors for the campaign. 

Every contribution will directly support the charity’s services, enabling them to continue offering care, companionship, and support to older people in need. Donate via Age Concern Hampshire’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmas24 or contact the Fundraising team to discuss sponsorship at supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at our Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services, and a variety of other activities. 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

For people living outside Hampshire your local Age Concern or Age UK will be operating similar schemes for older people over Christmas just search for them using Google or Bing or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk